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Happy #4

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Today marks our 4 year wedding anniversary.

We started out as kids ourselves a decade ago. Married for four years, multiple moves, 2 cats, 1 dog and 1 baby later. I love this life. It hasn't always been easy, but it's always been built on love and everyday has taught us something new about ourselves as individuals and even more as a couple.

Having a baby changes a marriage. It can make it stronger, or it can make it fall apart depending on how you work together. For 10 years, it's only been us. For 10 years I've only had to worry about myself and my husband. At times I felt like I loved him so much it hurt. And I'll admit it, I'm totally dependent on him. What does that say about me? Well, to be honest I don't really care. I know I'm stuck to him like glue. Always have been, always will.

Before having Lucca I honestly wondered if I'd have a hard time "sharing" him with our baby. Yes, I'm aware that most expectant mothers think the other way around: how will I have enough love left for my husband? But honestly, I've only ever loved him and wondered what this little babe would do to our marriage. I remember at 8 1/2 months pregnant crying in bed, Greg completely confused. "I'm not ready! I'm not ready!". It was a little late for that, but as much as we had talked about having a baby and prepared for this new chapter, I was NOT ready. There aren't any books or blogs to prepare you for this huge change.

It hasn't always been easy. The day-to-day exhaustion is tough on parents. Often, we both want to tag out at the same time. Someone always has to pick up the slack in some area, and almost inevitably it ends with one getting pissed at the other. There are days where I countdown every second until Greg comes home from work. And now, looking back on those back-to-back months of 2 hour sleep intervals, I imagined myself punching him in the face on multiple occasions. We stuck it out. Nobody got hurt. I'm proud of us.

And after making it through the newborn phase, the infant phase, the teething phase, we are experiencing the joys (and challenges) of toddlerhood. There are a lot of "what the f*#%" moments, but mostly we sit in awe of this little person in our house. This little person that talks and interacts and "helps" around the house. This little person that reaches for the both of us, wanting us both in different ways. Everyday is a freaking challenge. Getting that babe into bed by 8:30 p.m. is a huge accomplishment for us.

Yes, our marriage has changed. It's been a lot of ups and downs, twists and turns. It's been a lot of sacrifice, a lot of compromise. A lot of give and take. In just the past year and a half, we've truly put our vows to the test. We both realize we're stronger than ever, and the best anniversary gift we have to each other is our son. (I wouldn't mind a celebratory bottle of wine, however).

I'm stuck to BOTH of them like glue now. I feel like I love Greg more for the life we have now as parents. And when it used to be just the two of us against the world, now our little family of three is an even stronger force. The road has been tough, but everything that has led us to this point is so incredibly worth it.

About Me

I’m Lauren (Lolo). I’m a mama of two boys (1 & 3.5) living with my husband in Virginia. I'm a SAHM, business owner and blog in my sleep. I’m surviving motherhood one glass of wine at a time and documenting my journey along the way.